Yemeni troops shell opposition stronghold

Security officials say government troops shelled a district overnight in the capital Sanaa that is home to the chief of the main tribe opposing Yemen’s president, killing three and wounding five people.

Security officials say government troops shelled a district overnight in the capital Sanaa that is home to the chief of the main tribe opposing Yemen’s president, killing three and wounding five people.

The officials say two of the wounded in Hassaba neighbourhood are followers of Sheik Sadeq al-Ahmar. One shell exploded at dawn close to al-Ahmar’s residence.

In the southern city of Taiz, 10 protesters were wounded as the army opened fire at tens of thousands who were rallying on Thursday, calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down.

Protesters shout slogans to demand the ouster of Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military rules.

Council formedA Syrian activist says a group of opposition members will announce a national council in their bid for a united front against President Bashar Assad’s regime.

Louay Safi, a US-based academic, said a group of activists will announce the 130-member council on Thursday.